Muskogee County

PROJECT PURPOSE

Muskogee County is requesting $1.8 million from Oklahoma ARPA funds with a match of $1.8 million in addition to providing an in-kind county labor contributing amounting to $500,000 in order replace six major culvert crossings on county roads that were destroyed during the historic 2019 flooding. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided funds to temporarily repair these culverts and intersections, these measures were not intended to be a long-term solution. Each of these intersections are vital for commercial and residential access to businesses and property owners throughout Muskogee County. Moreover, the flooding that results from this infrastructure issue has created significant damage to the residential and commercial properties adjacent to these properties. This project would eliminate and/or mitigate future damage to these properties and promote future economic development.

EVIDENCE

The culverts and intersections identified for this project suffered significant damage during the historic 2019 flood in Muskogee. While FEMA assistance provided temporary repairs, these culverts and intersections are over 80 years old, dating to 1930s era WPA projects. The critical need to replace these culverts and intersections would improve public safety, safeguard residential and commercial properties and promote economic development.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Muskogee County (67,000) has been designated as a StrikeZone by the USDA because of its high poverty rate (21%) and its many economic disparities and challenges. The damage from the historic 2019 flood along with the reduced tax income resulting from the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on our community. Muskogee County is a poor, diverse and rural population that has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic due to restricted access to health services and socioeconomic challenges resulting from inadequate infrastructure, limited economic development opportunities, inconsistent broadband access, and access to employment. In addition to chronic poverty, other vulnerable populations include the elderly, children, and minorities. A study by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America released in Jan. 2021 revealed that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural populations have been severe, with significant negative impacts on unemployment, overall life satisfaction, mental health, and economic outlook. Often rural residents have fewer individual resources, access to services and, on average, are poorer and less educated. The residents and businesses of Muskogee County request assistance to remediate these issues for future growth and sustainability.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance for culvert replacement to eliminate and mitigate water flooding at these crucial intersections will be measured by the completion of the project according to schedule and within the established budget.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding